The Daniel Fast is a partial fast performed for spiritual cleansing or guidance. It is based on Daniel, an Old Testament prophet, who abstained from eating certain foods that were against his religious beliefs. Like Daniel's fast, the modern-day version restricts your diet to plant-based foods for 10 or 21 days. You should break the fast carefully to allow your body time to adjust to food. Consult your primary care doctor before and after a fast
Guidelines of the Daniel Fast
In a Daniel Fast, you may eat all types of fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts, and drink only water and juices. You cannot eat animal and dairy products, processed grains, pasta and bread, and foods containing preservatives. Also, you cannot use sweeteners such as honey, high fructose corn syrup or table sugar since these are processed foods. Since it is a fast, Daniel-fast.com recommends eating three small meals and snacks each day, and avoid over-eating on the food you may have.
Breaking the Fast
One of the most important aspects of fasting is breaking it properly and safely. Your body needs time to adjust as you re-introduce foods you had abstained from. Start with small portions, eating every few hours and gradually increasing the amount every day. Your digestive system has gone without some food and you may experience adverse reactions like nausea or stomachache if you immediately eat a full meal after breaking your fast.
Foods to Eat After the Fast
After breaking the Daniel Fast, you may eat all the restricted foods again such as meats, breads, sugary and processed foods. First introduce foods that are easier to digest, such as bread and soup. Eat fish and poultry first and gradually add beef and other hard-to-digest meats. Later, you may re-introduce richer foods such as dairy, creams and fried foods into your diet. However, continue the healthy eating lifestyle you started with the Daniel Fast. Have more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and cut back on sugary and processed foods
Considerations
Consult your primary care doctor before and after a fast especially if you are pregnant, have health problems, or need medications. Break the Daniel Fast carefully to avoid any health complications. Also, ask your doctor about foods you should or should not eat immediately after a Daniel Fast.
